OVERVIEW: Airborne countermeasure tools used to simulate ship signatures and trigger naval mines. These systems offer rapid, wide-area clearance capability in littoral or confined waters.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: These towed systems deploy from helicopters such as MH-53 or Sea Dragon variants and consist of a tow sled or body equipped with magnetic coils and acoustic generators. The magnetic field simulates a ship's magnetic signature, while the acoustic component mimics engine and propeller noise. Some systems may include pressure wave simulators for multi-influence mines. The system is towed at varying altitudes and speeds to optimize sweep effectiveness, typically operated from naval helicopters equipped with winches and control consoles. These systems are essential for preparing amphibious landing zones or clearing harbors and straits of influence mines.

ROLE SUMMARY:
Category: Airborne Mine Countermeasure (AMCM)
Primary Use: Clearance of magnetic and acoustic naval mines
Function: Simulated ship signature generation (magnetic, acoustic, pressure)
Platform: Naval helicopters (e.g., MH-53E, Z-8, Sea King)
Integration: Winch-deployed towed sled with control interface in aircraft

See Specific information under [Sensors/EW] and [Properties] sections.

SOURCE:
US Navy Airborne Mine Countermeasures Program
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_Mine_Countermeasures
Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems